NEWSLETTER - Taipei European School

TAIPEI EUROPEAN SCHOOL
台北歐洲學校
EUROPEAN SECONDARY CAMPUS
NEWSLETTER
Edition 1.0
Friday 30th August 2013
From the Head of British Secondary and High School Section
Welcome.
A warm welcome to the 2013-2014 school year to all members of the British Secondary and
High School. I sincerely hope that everyone had a refreshing and rewarding summer vacation.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new staff and students to TES. I am sure you
will all have a happy and successful time at this wonderful school.
New Staff.
I welcome the following new teachers to the British Secondary and High School Section in
2013-2014.
Jonathan Booth
Head of English
Kwok Chow
Head of Sport
Nick Hardy
Assistant Head of Science
Jared Duxfield
PE/EAL
Scott Powell
Physics/Science
Robin Neroutsos
Physics/Science
James Greenwood
IT
Louise Fung
Maths
Kathie Chang
Maths
Tara Laing
English/EAL/Psychology
Julian Brown
Universities and Careers Counsellor
Emma Crofts
Learning Assistant
Results
Congratulations to last year’s students in H2 and H4 for achieving a wonderful set of results. I
am delighted that these students were rewarded for their hard work with results that can only
be described as amazing. Among the highlights were the 9 students who scored 40+ on their
IB and the large number of A and A* results recorded by students in their IGCSE. See later in
this Newsletter for more detailed information.
Information Night
All parents should have received a letter via email from me regarding the BS and HS
Information Night to be held next Thursday, September 5. I look forward to seeing as many
parents as possible on Thursday.
Warm regards,
Stuart Glascott
SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.taipeieuropeanschool.com
CONTACT: Taipei European School, Swire European Secondary Campus, 31 Jian Ye Road, Shihlin,
Taipei 11193 Telephone: +886 2 8145 9007
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From the Deputy Head
Dear Parents,
A very warm welcome back to a new academic year! As always, a new school year brings
with it an inevitable sense of apprehension (particularly for those students and colleagues that
are new) and a buzz of excitement about potential learning opportunities both within and
beyond the classroom.
It is a year since I arrived at TES - consequently I can easily remember what it feels like to be
a newcomer to the school. Remarkably our Year 7 students seem to have made a seamless
transition to life at secondary school and supported by the wonderful work of our Pastoral
Team – Form Tutors and Heads of Year appear to be moving around the school in a very
mature and purposeful way and establishing themselves as a very capable year. One of the
biggest challenges for new students is adapting to the demands of Homework. Our
Homework Quality Standards should be referred to (attached) if you have any questions
about the nature of length of homework tasks that are being set for your son or daughter.
Homework is most effective when it is used to consolidate or review learning and you should
expect to see learning focused tasks recorded in your child’s planner.
As well as new students we are pleased to welcome a total of 10 new teaching colleagues
across many Departments. Our new colleagues come from a range of different UK and
international backgrounds and will no doubt enrich the school as a result. I have asked our
new colleagues to formally introduce themselves in our next Newsletter so watch this space.
We are thrilled to announce to parents the headline figures for this year’s IGCSE and IB exam
results. Our IB and IGCSE students in H4 and H2 last year excelled themselves in their
examination performance – not to mention the H1 students who took some IGCSEs early –
achieving a set of truly impressive results!
IGCSE Headlines:
 Number of A*/A grades for combined H1 early entry and H2 exams 2013: 339 (2012:
286)
 A*/A grade pass rate for H1 early entry and H2 combined 2013: 63% (2012: 47%)
 14 students in H2 gained A*/A passes in 5 or more IGCSEs (2012: 3)
 5 A* - C IGCSE passes for H2s: 93% (2012: 93%)
IB Headlines:
 Number of grade 7s: 57 / 17.3% (2012: 38 / 12.4%)
 Students with 40+ points: 9 (2012: 6)
 Average grade: 34 (2012: 33)
 Average grade: 5.39 (2012: 5.29)
 Highest points awarded: 43 (2012: 44)
I look forward to meeting parents at next week’s Parents’ Information Evening where you will
get an opportunity to be introduced to key members of our school community and learn more
about the Key Stage 3, IGCSE and IB curriculum.
News from the Mathematics Department
Over the summer the results of the Junior Mathematics Olympiad came in and we would like
to pass our congratulations on to Ryoki Kunii, Jennifer Li, and Alan Kuo who achieved
Certificates of Participation.
Yet again, amazing achievements by our junior mathematicians at TES! Here are a couple of
questions from the JMO paper – how well would you do?
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We would also like to thank all H1 & H3 parents for making sure your son/daughter has a
graphing calculator for the start of their new IGCSE or IB courses. Here are a couple of
websites to help you get to know your new calculator:
http://mathbits.com/MathBits/TISection/CachingPage.html
http://education.ti.com/studentzone/StudentZoneUS/index.html
Year 7s have also made a good start to their mathematical studies at
TES, here is a report from Mr Sparks class:
Last week Year 7 Maths students started their work on decimals by
looking at other ways of counting and recording numbers such as binary,
Roman numerals, Chinese numbers and Mayan counting. They were set
the challenge of creating their own systems, and the creativity and effort
that went into these presentations was outstanding. There were websites,
slideshows, posters, videos and one group even created their own solar
system complete with descriptions of the cultures of the surrounding
planets and how they record numbers!
In our project we had 4 planets that had a different alien appearance, different names of the
planets (Grenetic Glasio, Al-mols, Shella Chella and Swurli Pwurli) and different number
systems. In one of the 4 planets there is a big planet (Grenetic Glasio), which is the head of
all three planets and it stays in the centre. The orbit system is in a triangle manner that is
around the big planet. Each small planet moves in their own territory which is one side of the
triangle. (Krishi, see photo)
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It is amazing what our students can imagine and how professionally they present and clearly
they communicate their ideas using all kinds of media. They are truly all-round learners! Well
done Year 7.
From the Music Department
Peripatetic Programme: The ESC Peripatetic Programme will continue again this year,
providing instrumental and vocal lessons for students at school. Information about this
programme has been advertised in the daily bulletin over the last two weeks and students
should have already picked up an interest letter and returned an interest form. If any student
have not done this and still want to receive instrumental or vocal lessons at school this year,
the attached form must be completed and emailed to [email protected] by Monday
morning (2/9).
New Rooms: A number of exciting developments to the
Music Departments physical space occurred over the
summer holidays. Two new piano studios were
developed, allowing much need space for small group
work during Music classes, peripatetic lessons and
individual rehearsal outside of class time. In addition a
further room was refurbished, being fitted with
soundproofing and new lighting, allowing another space
for ‘louder’ ensembles to rehearse without disturbing
other classes! Many thanks to all people involved in
making these rooms are a reality.
IGCSE and IB Academic Results: The 2012/2013
academic year
delivered
extremely
pleasing results for Music students completing their
IGCSE and IB courses. IGCSE Music students
achieved at an extremely high level with more than
85% of the class receiving A or A*. Not to be
outdone, the sole IB Music student obtained the first
ever 7 in IB Music in the history of diploma at the
school. All Music students should be congratulated
on their hard work and achievement in IGCSE and
IB Music.
Music FOBISSEA: The annual Music FOBISSEA Festival will be held in Rayong, Thailand,
from 8th to the 13th of November this year. The FOBISSEA Festival is a four-day event that
provides opportunities for students to perform as members of either a choir or orchestra. The
objectives of the festival are:
 To be appropriate for students from upper primary school to senior school age range
 To achieve a high standard and extension opportunities for gifted students
 To provide a learning experience in musicianship covering a range of musical styles
through intensive but varied rehearsals and workshops
 To promote the value of teamwork
 To reinforce the value and benefits of rehearsing in preparation for performance
 To share relevant musical cultural experiences from rehearsals, workshops and other
visiting performers during the festival
This festival is for choral and orchestral students who are at a performance standard of at
least Grade 3- 4. This year, there is a restriction on the numbers of students who can attend
due to the expanding FOBISSEA network and the location of the festival in Thailand. Places
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for up to 16 students are currently available on this trip, however, a few further places may
become available (but this is not guaranteed). If you are interested in your child attending this
trip, please have them sign up for an audition time on the sheet in the Music corridor and
collect an interest letter from Ms Ann Chou in the British Phase I Office. Auditions will be held
on the 2th – 6th of September.
Letter re Peripatetic Music Lesson from Music Department.
22nd August 2013
Dear Parents,
Taipei European School will be continuing its Peripatetic Instrumental Music Programme this year. If you are
interested in having your child learn a musical instrument with a professional teacher during their time at
school, please fill the attached ‘Interest in Peripatetic Music Programme’ sheet and e-mail directly to Mr.
Papps at [email protected] by Monday 2 September 8am.
It is important that all ‘Interest in Peripatetic Music Programme’ sheets are returned by this date in order to
schedule lessons and organise tutors. A lesson schedule will be sent home on Wednesday, 4th September. Once
you have reviewed your child’s schedule and payment information, please send the full tuition fee for Term 1
as instructed. Students are responsible for remembering their lesson times and attending on time.
This term’s schedule will consist of 12 lessons. Lessons will commence the week starting Monday, 16th
September 2012. Each 40-minute lesson costs 800NTD. This will require payment of 9600NTD for Term 1.
Payments are due by Wednesday 11th of September. Full payment is required before lessons will commence.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY PAYMENT UNTIL LESSON SCHEDULES ARE SENT OUT. Payments are to made via the
online payment system.
Every effort will be made to place student lessons out of class time, however, this may not always be possible.
Senior students will be given priority over KS3 students for non-class times. Where KS3 students are placed
completely in lesson times, they will either be timetabled at the same time as their Music class (where possible)
or on a rotating lesson time. This will ensure they do miss the same subject every week.
Peripatetic Music Lesson Timeline:
22nd August
30st August
4th September
11th September
16th September
Start of Term – Peripatetic Interest Letters Available:
Interest Letters Due:
Lesson Schedules Sent Home:
Payment Required:
Lessons commence the week starting:
Term 1 Schedule:
Lesson
2
Month
Mon
16
23
Tues
17
24
1
*8*
15
Wed
18
25
2
*9*
16
Thur
*19
*
20
26
3
*10*
27
4
*11*
Fri
!
3
Term
Break
1
September
30
*7*
4
5
October
14
21
6
7
8
10
11
12
Make
Up
December
18
25
2
9
16
9
Xmas
Break
Make
Up
Make
Up
Make
Up
January
**
6
13
20
November
28
4
11
22
39
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
**
7
14
21
23
30
6
13
20
27
4
11
18
**
8
15
22
17
24
31
7
14
21
28
5
12
19
**
9
16
24
18
25
1
8
15
22
29
6
13
20
**
10
17
25
No Lesson
**
Holiday
Make
Up
Make
Up
6
13
Make Up Lesson ^ If needed
Regards,
Chris Papps
HoD Music
[email protected]
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Please complete and email the following form to Mr. Papps at [email protected] by 8am Monday 2 September.
INTEREST IN PERIPATETIC MUSIC PROGRAMME
TERM 1 2013 – 2014
STUDENT’S NAME: ________________________________ CLASS: ___________
New Student
Returning Student
If a returning student, please state previous tutor: ____________________________
Please indicate the instrument(s) your child wants to learn by placing a “1” in the box after the first choice of
instrument and a “2” after the second etc (if applicable):
Piano
Flute
Violin
Voice
Cello
Clarinet
Drums
Saxophone
Guitar
Viola
Trumpet
Trombone
Yes
No
Do you currently own your own instrument?
Please state if you have interest in an instrument that is not listed:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Brief background of child’s previous musical experience eg. Beginner, intermediate, grade level
Please indicate on the table below what times your child is able to attend lessons. Please tick (✓) if this time is
preferable, write letter (p) if it this time possible but less preferable and then cross (x) if this time is absolutely
not possible. There are a limited number of times for lessons and some tutors only come to the ESC on certain
days. I will do my best to meet first preferences where possible. Please fill in all boxes.
**Please note, the lessons at lunchtimes are scheduled during ten minutes of class time. Some KS3 students
may also be timetable during class time not indicate by the table below.
Time:
12:30 – 1:10pm
Starts during
the last 10
minutes of
Period 6
1:10 -1:50pm
Finishes during
the first 10
minutes of
Period 7
3 – 3:40pm
3:40 – 4:30pm
4:20 - 5pm
5pm – 5:40pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Would you be willing for your child take lesson during class time (on a rotating basis):
Would you be willing for your child to have lesson during Music class:
Yes / No
Yes / No
PARENT’S NAME: ______________________________
SIGNATURE: __________________________________
CONTACT:
Phone (home): ____________________________________
Mobile:
_______________________________________
Email:
_______________________________________
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INTERNATIONAL-MINDEDNESS AT IGCSE: Excellent first results for World
Literature
In 2011, the English Department at TES was approached by the University of Cambridge
International Examinations organization to pilot a brand new IGCSE in World Literature and
we jumped at the chance. The course is well constructed and what really persuaded us, was
that it prepares students well for English courses at IB level. We were pleased to see an
unseen commentary examination paper on the syllabus (this is on both IB courses) and we
liked the fact that the coursework portfolio included a long critical essay (similar to what IB
students have to do than in the established English Literature course). Most impressive,
though, was the inclusion of an assessed oral component (something of a departure for
IGCSE Literature courses), the skills of which are so vital at IB level for the Individual Oral
Presentations, Further Oral Activities and Individual Oral Commentaries and Discussions.
In some ways, making such a big change was a gamble. IGCSE English Literature is well
established and we have taught it here at TES for many years. We decided, therefore, to trial
the new World Literature IGCSE with just two classes – our most able H1s (the classes taught
by Darren Latchford and Nicole Billante). We devised new thematic units (which dovetailed
with the counterpart IGCSE First Language English course – most students at TES attend
English lessons and come away with two separate qualifications), which included some really
exciting new texts for us and for the students.
We designed the course along the lines of our previous Key Stage 3 syllabus in which
students had to study a unit from several categories every year, and which bridged nicely with
the new IB English A courses.
Our ‘Signs of the Times’ unit included the study of Charles Dickens’ classic Great
Expectations and Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, ‘What Unites Us?’ included the study of
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and ‘Who We Are’ included New Zealand Maori
writer Witi Ihimaera’s Whale Rider. Set texts studied for the final exams in H2 were Japanese
writer Yukio Mishima’s The Sound of Waves and South African writer Athol Fugard’s ‘Master
Harold’ and the boys.
We were confident that the course would be a success and felt very proud of our students’
final results. We entered twenty-nine students for final assessment. Seven students got A*
grades, thirteen got A grades and nine got B grades. We sent in three coursework folders for
moderation at full marks. All of our marking of the internally assessed coursework portfolio
was verified by assessors at Cambridge and all marks were carried.
The course is now out of the pilot stage and is available to all schools. We are now
introducing it for the majority of students who study Literature at TES (the current H1). It’s
enriching for students aged between 16 to 18 to read texts from other cultures and those
which are translated from other languages. It’s challenging for teachers who may have ‘white
Anglo-Saxon’ reading histories and it keeps our teaching fresh. It prepares students
excellently for the next academic stage (IB). Above all, it exposes our students to some really
great literature and, as our first cohort has proved, it is possible to read widely and still
achieve excellent results.
Nicole and I had a wonderful time teaching this new course and look forward to seeing it grow
and develop. Many congratulations to our wonderful students who worked so hard, read so
widely, and did so well!
Darren Latchford
IB Co-ordinator/Teacher of English
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Launch of A.S.P.I.R.E
Dear Parents
Welcome to A.S.P.I.R.E, the department formerly known as SEN. As you can see from our
new logo and name we have decided to adopt a more positive and up to date image. This
philosophical change is in line with the International Baccalaureate (IB) which states;
“The IB supports the premise that schools should be organized in such a way that student
diversity of all kinds can be included as a resource, seeing individual differences not as a
problem to be fixed, but as opportunities for enriched learning. Diversity is a positive resource
with regard to what it means to be internationally minded and inter-culturally aware.’’
The International Baccalaureate 2010
Special Educational Needs within the International Baccalaureate Programmes
Our new logo and concept were the result of many hours of collaboration with our students
who decided on the following slogan:
‘Celebrating Diversity’
This motto encapsulates what we strive to do as a department and I hope that both parents
and students will join us in this endeavour.
I believe our new look department will have a significant impact throughout the school and I
look forward to working with you all in the coming year.
Grace Kennedy
Head of A.S.P.I.R.E.
News from the English Department
Book Week 2013 is fast approaching on the 21st October. We hope
this year’s event in the secondary school will be a celebration of all that
is literary, encompassing our three schools and all our language
departments and coordinated through our school’s library.
We are always grateful for fresh ideas from our school community, so
please feedback to any of your language teachers how you would like
Book Week celebrated this year.
Roald Dahl Day is on 13th September. This annual event celebrates
the life and work of one of the most endearing children’s story tellers in
the English language, whose books continue to be discovered by new
generations of children from around the world.
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Born in Wales in the UK to Norwegian parents Roald Dahl’s books, although fun, dark and
filled with memorable characters, illustrate the theme of what it means to be a child growing
up in an adult’s world. This has proved to be a timeless attraction for children of all ages.
The English department hope to celebrate the writer with Year 7 and 8 students on the day
but you may wish to discover or rediscover some of Roald Dahl’s greatest works in the school
library which includes: The BFG; George’s Marvelous Medicine; Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory; Danny, the Champion of the World; James and the Giant Peach; Matilda; Fantastic
Mr. Fox; The Twits and The Witches. Many of which have been made into popular movies.
Perhaps you might wish to read one of these titles in preparation for Roald Dahl Day.
Homework Quality Standards - BSHS
For students, parents and teachers, homework is a subject that generates a range of different
views. Parents want schools to set homework; students appreciate that homework is
important and understand that it helps them to be successful in their studies; and teachers
believe that independent study is an important skill in its own right as well as supporting
student progress.
Research shows that there is positive relationship between time spent on homework and
achievement at secondary school level - but only when set in moderate amounts and when
tasks are interesting, challenging and varied. Our school survey results demonstrate that our
students prefer homework tasks that are clearly defined, allow for an element of creativity and
have adequate deadlines but dislike regular and mundane tasks that aren’t clearly linked with
their learning. These findings match with the current available research on homework.
In order to try and improve home learning for our students we have produced some quality
standards which we will try to uphold. Good learning requires a partnership between
students, families and the school and so we have also included standards we expect can be
met by students, teachers and families and have suggested ways in which all of us can
support the deeper learning of our students.
In short, we believe that homework tasks should:
 consolidate learning
 provide opportunities for students to practise and apply skills
 be structured
 be planned
 have a purpose
 have clear outcomes
 have success criteria made clear to students
 promote where possible, the TES values: we encourage students to persevere when
homework is difficult; allow opportunities for students to be creative in how they
present their learning; and expect them to take responsibility for organising themselves
and respecting deadlines.
HOMEWORK QUALITY STANDARDS: SCHOOL
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All homework tasks should be planned for learning.
Teachers should communicate how long students should spend on a particular task and
have realistic expectations about how long a task might take a student.
Tasks should be accessible by all students and differentiated if required.
Homework needs to be explained in lessons and clear instructions given on the nature of
the task and how students might go about achieving it.
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Students must be given the opportunity to write the instruction in their diary and email
used when necessary to communicate homework instructions or guidance to parents.
Students need to know how homework will be assessed (eg, by self/peer/teacher).
If the task is new to students, and is not a creative open-ended task, it should be
modelled, for example – what does ‘research look like? If students are being asked to
‘revise’ how should they go about it? What evidence would you expect to see of revision?
Head of Departments will regularly review and monitor the quality of homework set in
departments.
Teachers will use TESmile to log when students consistently miss homework deadlines
and provide appropriate sanctions as per Departmental policy.
HOMEWORK QUALITY STANDARDS: STUDENTS
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Will attempt homework tasks to the best of their ability.
Will use the homework diary to accurately write down the homework instruction.
Will meet homework deadlines. If there is a problem with homework students should notify
teachers as soon as they are able – prior to the due date.
Will try to keep their academic targets in mind when completing homework.
Should understand that homework is important to learning
Aim to stick to the guidance given by teachers regarding the length of time to spend on
homework.
Keep things in perspective. Homework is important, but social, artistic and sporting
activities are also important in achieving life balance.
Know that quality is more important in most cases than quantity.
Never copy or plagiarise work – asking for extra help is better!
Avoid rushing to complete work. Be well planned and organized.
If there is a problem, students have the following options available to them:
Speak to their Form tutor for advice
Ask a friend/member of the class
Ask/email their subject teacher for further clarification
Ask parents/siblings for advice
Speak to their Head of Year if they things feel are getting on top of them
HOMEWORK QUALITY STANDARDS: HOME
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Please remember that when it comes to homework, quality is more important than
quantity.
Use the homework planner to check that your child has clearly written their homework
tasks.
Once per week, for example, on a Sunday - help them plan for the week ahead.
Allocate specific times for homework tasks for KS3 students, for example –aim to get
homework finished by 9 pm.
Provide a quiet work space free of distractions and provide light supervision.
Support your child in managing distractions eg. Facebook, personal email, TV.
Don’t do homework for your child.
If your child has a tutor they should provide guidance and support rather than undertaking
the actual task.
Communicate with school if there are problems – please use the diary.
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Encourage children to approach teachers to ask for help.
Consider how other activities might impact homework. Avoid over-commitment, eg.
personal tutoring, SAT courses, language learning.
Spend some time to help children devise organizational systems. For example use a wallplanner or calendar to record what is due and when it is due so your child can ‘see’ what
needs to be done.
Contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year if your child is exhibiting anxiety or stress
over homework.
Developing the whole child is part of our school’s philosophy – remember that social,
creative and physical activities play a part in this.
Homework should always provide an opportunity for learning. Talk to your child about their
homework and take an interest in their work.
Chrysta Garnett
Deputy Head
From the Assistant Head (High School)
I would like to extend a warm ‘welcome’, or ‘welcome back’ to students in the High School.
We have had a fantastic start to the new school year! I have had the opportunity to catch up
with many students, and it has been encouraging to see how quickly they have settled into
routines and their lessons.
Most impressive is the focus and drive we are already seeing from our examination groups –
H2 and H4. The year ahead promises to be both exciting and challenging for these groups as
they work towards their final IGCSE and IB examinations. It is vital that they are enthusiastic
and organized right from the start in order to fully prepare for the year ahead.
H1 students have spent the past two weeks becoming better acquainted with the IGCSE
programme. Yesterday in PSHCE we took some time to reflect on the start they’ve made, and
their first experiences as High School students. Students were very positive about their
lessons, and the opportunity to pursue their areas of interest. However, perhaps not
surprising, many seemed most excited about no longer having to wear school uniform!
The H3 students are currently on our first ever TES IB Induction Camp at Outward Bound
Long-men. They will spend the weekend participating in a fun and challenging mix of team
building activities and IB induction sessions designed to give them a good start to the IB
programme. Stay tuned for the next newsletter for highlights from the weekend!
We are pleased and proud of last year’s IGCSE and IB results. Our students are performing
exceptionally well and in addition to our rigorous academic programmes, our strong pastoral
systems help TES students achieve to the best of their potential. Our two High School Heads
of Year closely monitor the overall wellbeing of High School students, along with their
academic progress. Dr. Gavin Matthews looks after students in H1 and H2, and IB students
are under the care of Mr. Darren Latchford, IB Co-ordinator. Should you wish to contact your
child’s Head of Year you can reach them through the High School Office or via email:
Gavin Matthews: [email protected]
Darren Latchford: [email protected]
Sonya Papps
Assistant Head, High School
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A warm welcome (back) from the Head of Year, H1 and H2
As my first contribution as Head of Year to the student newsletter, I would just like to say a
warm “welcome”, or “welcome back” in most cases, to all of our H1 and H2 students. The first
ten days in this job have been incredibly busy with all the timetabling changes and new
students that the start of the academic year involves. However, the students could not have
made it any easier for me. All of you have been so friendly and helpful to me and to each
other. As citizens of the school, you all impress me enormously. (I shouldn’t be too surprised,
though – I felt exactly the same way after the Euro Vision Week at the end of last year.)
It should be noted that we have a lot of new students joining us in H1: almost a quarter of the
year group have just joined our community. It will naturally take them a little time to get used
to the new surroundings, traditions and rules. I am confident that everyone will be
understanding and as helpful as possible while they find their feet. I know from conversations
I have had with many of our new students that they feel lucky to have joined this school. They
are indeed lucky, and we all look forward to seeing the contribution that they will make to their
new year group.
For the H2s in particular, it is vital that you ‘hit the ground running’ at the start of this term. It is
such an important year for you all, and time is now beginning to press. I will be spending
much of my time in data tracking over the next few months, seeing how you are all getting on
in your academic studies. As a teaching team, we will do everything we can to make sure that
you have the best chances possible to attain as much as you can in your exams and
coursework. In return, we ask that you are open and welcoming to all the advice that we will
be giving you this year.
We (the teachers) in turn want to be open and welcoming to all the comments you wish to
make to us during this year. There will be many things on which we ask your advice, such as
PSHCE provision or how we can best engage with our local community. Your collective
‘student voice’ needs to be heard. You will of course occasionally say things that we as
education professionals don’t agree with, and then it is up to us to engage with you, to explain
why we disagree. On other occasions you may say things that we hadn’t thought of, and then
we can implement your ideas and become a better school.
To the H1s and H2s, I am delighted to be your Head of Year. It is a privilege to spend so
much time with you all, and I look forward to the extended conversation that we will have this
year.
Dr. Gavin Matthews
Head of Year, H1 and H2
WELCOME
It was my great pleasure, on Monday 19th August, to welcome back our H4 students after their
long summer of Internal Assessment preparation and Extended Essay researching and
writing. It was also great to see last year’s H2s returning as H3s, fresh-faced and eager to
begin their IB journey. They have all made a really positive impression on their teachers and
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the pastoral team and settled down to work with a no-nonsense, can-do attitude. That’s great
to see and bodes well for success with the IB Diploma courses on which they are now
embarked.
I would like to extend a special warm welcome to our seven new H3 students who joined us
last Monday: Trista Chen, Anita Chou, Felicia Chua, Daniel Hsieh, Jeffrey Lee, Wilson Li,
Sean Pai, Conrad Wang, Vincent Wu and Brian Yu. These students join us from a variety of
backgrounds and experiences and it is evident that they are all really excited about their IB
studies.
IB RESULTS 2013
One of the biggest highlights of the summer for me was, for the first time in my career, being
the first to receive the IB results of our students who graduated in May. On Friday 5 th July, I
discovered that we had broken some of previous records and that many of our students took
our advice and encouragement to heart and did extremely well for themselves. I am very
proud of them indeed.
This year, we entered sixty students for exams forty-two subjects. Nine students scored 40
points or above (three more than in 2012) and have secured places at some of the most
prestigious universities in the world. Overall achievement was impressive with thirty-four
students scoring between 30 and 39 points (compared with last year’s twenty-nine). The
average points score was 34 (33 in 2012) with an average subject grade of 5.39 (5.29 in
2012) – IB grades range from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest.
Our highest achieving students this year (Nicholas Huang, Beatrice Kern, Christine Shih and
Grace Tsai) all scored 43 points, and have amazing futures ahead of them. Nicholas will go
on to study Mathematics at Imperial College, London, Beatrice will study International
Business at Baaden-Wuerttenberg Co-op State in Germany, Christine will study Economics at
the University of California (Berkeley), and Grace will study Jurisprudence at the University of
Oxford.
There were many other success stories too, and it is a tribute to the Diploma Programme that
it allows students to perform at their own level and achieve the very best they can. There
were some real success stories this year and I am really proud of the year group as a whole.
I wish our graduates of 2013 the very best in their futures and hope that they will keep in
touch and pay us a visit whenever they are back in Taipei.
I wish all IB students a very successful year.
Darren Latchford
IB Co-ordinator
From the University and Careers Counsellor
I am Julian Brown; I am British, grew up in France and attended an International school. I
finished my undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford in the UK, where I also recently
completed a Master’s degree in History. So as a European, I join the staff at TES. As I begin
working with you, I am keen to inform three groups in our school community: High School
students, Key Stage 3 students, and our TES parents.
High School Students: do you choose SATs or ACTs?
There are two different types of learning happening at your level. We study the International
Baccalaureate to become a certain type of learner. We pass SAT tests, or ACT tests to put a
score against our name and pass this information, in addition to our IB results to any
American Universities we want to attend. If you want or need to get a score reflected back
from the SATs* or ACTs**, it takes several months of practice to get a high score in these
tests, and you should begin to prepare in H3.
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The next available SAT test is on 2nd November (register by 10/3). Including the international
processing fee it costs US $ 91 per test. The next available ACT test is on 26th October
(register by 9/27). For outside North America it costs US $ 85 per test.
The SATs suit those students who have a broad English vocabulary; and those who are
strong on structures. If you are good in Mathematics, the ACTs may be your best option. If
your Science reasoning is strong you should choose the ACT. The Essay is usually an option
in ACTs – in SATs you have to write one.
Those of you applying to the USA should search what admission scores your wished-for
colleges require: https://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/serach/index.jsp
You should also contact the Colleges’ International Admissions to ask how these colleges
regard IB grades. Then you will know how much to invest in SAT or ACT preparation.
KS3 students, are you already dreaming of University or a career?
Key Stage 3 students, do you already find yourself dreaming of University destinations? And
parents - because your child in dreaming, you may be planning for up to 7 years ahead. If this
is so, please chat with the University and Careers Counsellor before your child becomes a
High School student. I shall invite parents to make contact with me at the Information
Evening on September the 5th. I can also be contacted via telephone at extension 2609 or by
email at: [email protected].
I work from Monday to Thursday. I will also be attending ESC PA social functions, so please
let me know if you’re planning one.
*scholastic aptitude test
**American college testing
Mr. Julian Brown
Universities and Careers Counsellor
Last TOK Session of H3 with visiting local artist, Matthew Hill.
By a happy piece of synchronicity Matthew Hill, our Head of Art, was invited to give his annual
TOK reflection to the H3 cohort only 3 days (May 30 th) before his exhibition was due to open
at the Mayor’s Residence Arts Salon in Taipei City on June 3rd.
Matthew has recently written,
“For me to be an artist is to try to see the world beyond what we so easily take for granted, the
styles and expectations of what is beautiful: it is to explore new ideas, and to use knowledge
to try to challenge the conventions of art, and offer the viewer an experience that can work on
an aesthetic and also intellectual level.”
Suffice it to say that he invited the H3 students into a deeper
exploration of what these words mean in the 80 minutes at his
disposal. They listened, they reflected, they wrote, they drew,
they shared ideas and asked questions. Some accepted the
challenge deeply while others didn’t. Some understood and
some didn’t. That’s life. In short, those who accepted his
invitation and his ideas constructed meaning and assembled
knowledge, and there are 3 large canvasses which will be
displayed around the Phase 2 building as physical
manifestations of that exploration. This was art at work and
through those canvases the work continues.
Thank you, Mr. Hill. TES is enriched by the insights you offer,
the challenge your discipline invokes, the sharing you make with
those ready to dialogue.
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And ‘insight, challenge and dialogue’ are 3 words that pretty well sum up TOK.
At the end of the year I would also like to thank Mr. Simon Thomas of the Mathematics
Department. for the excellent contribution he has made to the TOK Team over the past two
years, and to wish him well on the next stage of his journey. We welcome back Mr. Henri
Labuschagne into the TOK Team, and we also bid welcome to Ms. Tara Laing who has taught
TOK previously in another IB school who will be teaching Psychology on the Diploma course.
Next year’s TOK Team will comprise a History teacher, an English teacher, a Psychology
teacher, and a Business Studies/Economics teacher all for good measure.
Mr. Sean Kenny
TOK Subject Leader
From the Assistant Head (Key Stage 3)
A warm welcome back to returning families and I hope that all new families have found the
transition to TES a smooth one. If any parents have any concerns or questions please feel
free to contact me directly and I will do all that I can to support. The two Key Stage 3 Heads of
Year (Mr Imbleau and Mr Sing Key) are also here to offer any support or guidance throughout
the year so please contact them if you need any support.
As ever it is an incredibly busy start to the year. Key Stage 3 students are now beginning to
settle into their routines and new classes and seem to be very happy in their first weeks back
at school. Pastoral care is something we pride ourselves on at TES and the happiness of the
students here is so important. School life can be challenging at times for so many reasons so
please be assured that if you have any worries or concerns we are here to support at any
time.
Today is Team Building day and all KS3 students are involved in fun, challenging and
educational activities as a way of developing team work and friendships at this early stage of
the year. More articles about this will appear in Newsletter 2.
Now that students are feeling settled the process of learning is beginning. This of course will
mean learning at home and ‘Homework’. Next week all KS3 students will be issued with a
homework timetable. This is a guide for teacher, students and parents so that homework is
set on the correct days, deadlines do not appear on the same day and that the quantity of
homework on specific evenings is appropriate. I would like to stress that homework is set to
aid and reinforce learning. It is not set to fill a specific amount of time or for the sake of it.
Homework will be relevant to the subject content covered in lessons and will have to sole
purpose of scaffolding what has been covered in class. If at any point you have concerns
regarding the quantity or content of homework set please contact me.
James Woodall
Assistant Head Key Stage 3
Year 7: Welcome to the Secondary Campus: Mr. Imbleau
Year 7 students and parents, welcome to the TES Secondary Campus. This academic year is
sure to be a wonderful year with all that is planned: Teambuilding Day, Camp Taiwan, the
Raised-Garden Bed Service Project and so much more. School life up in Yangmingshan is
fairly similar to the routines at the Primary Campus and the transition should be fairly
seamless; however it can be a bit daunting at the beginning of Term 1 with all the new
classrooms and homework tasks that are set. Mr. Singkey’s aforementioned 5 Essential Tips
for Success in KS3 is a very good outline for all Year 7s to follow this year. Managing
homework is usually one of the biggest challenges for Year 7 students. On Thursday, the 29 th
of August, all Year 7 students had a workshop in PSHCE on how to keep themselves
organised for school and how to prioritise their homework. I am sure that this tutorial will prove
fruitful!
Written below are Year 7 personal accounts of the first 2 weeks at Secondary School.
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Summer is Over: James Kung, Year 7
Summer has passed for a full 2 weeks already, but to be honest, school so far has been much
more enjoyable than my summer. School has been much more enjoyable because of the
challenges at Secondary School. I like Year 7 because there are lots of interesting lessons
such as: Drama, History, Geography and gardening. We also have lockers which really help
me keep organised. Keeping organised is our responsibility. Another responsibility that we
have now is organizing out time after we finish eating lunch. We are older now and are given
more trust, I like that!
How to Keep a Nice and Tidy timetable: Tal Halperin, Year 7
Here is my advice to keep the school timetable tidy. When you get homework, you should
write the subject down, the homework task, and date its due inside your diary. When you get
home, you should prioritise and do your homework which is due the next day. If you have free
time, then you can do the homework that is due later on. If you have a locker, you should take
your first two subjects books in the morning. When it’s break-time at 9:30am, you should take
the next two subjects books and so on. Then at the end of the day, you should take home the
books that you need for homework, along with your homework diary.
Mr Imbleau
Head of Year 7
5 Essential Tips for Success at KS3
Key Stage 3 can be tough, but with the proper equipment and good organisational skills, you
can stay on top of everything and begin to reach those higher academic levels! A good idea
would be to stay organised from the start of the school year. It's always nice to start off on the
right foot.
There are a few simple yet effective steps to become an organised student. Here are a few
that will help you this year:
1. Have your own stationery
A key to having everything organised in KS3 is having all the supplies you need, nice
and clean and ready. You should at least have glue, pencils, pens (preferably
erasable) for each lesson. Some subjects like Maths and Science require students to
have their own instruments (calculators, compasses, protractors etc.). Make sure you
have what you need for each subject so that you can focus on your learning and
achieving your BEST!
2. Get a locker
Lockers are available at TES. They are fantastic for keeping your books, PE kit, ECA
equipment and valuables safe during the school day. The advantage is that you will not
have to carry EVERYTHING around with you then! See Ann in the Phase I office to get
a locker. They are limited so get there FAST!
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3. Use your NEW planner
Keep your planner with you. With your planner, your homework schedule and after
school activities can be organised. Write things in it like homework, school and house
events, meetings, ECA activities etc.
4. ASK Questions
If your are ever stuck or unclear about anything (instructions, homework etc.) ASK your
teacher(s) for help; no need to be embarrassed. Chances are there is at least one
other student wondering the same thing but too shy or afraid to ask. Understanding
what the teacher requires of you is the first step to reaching higher targets and your
true academic potential.
5. Make sure everything has a place and stays in it!
Maths papers don't belong in your English notebook or your pocket. Be consistent.
Keep papers in their corresponding notebook at all times. It will make things so much
easier. You won't have to be worried on the way home (or class) about where your
notes are. TES teachers even schedule regular "notebook checks" where they make
sure that you have all your papers in the right places in your notebook!
If you follow the 5 tips I shared, you will not only show your teachers that you RESPECT them
and are a RESPONSIBLE student, but you will also be able to engage and PARTICIPATE
more readily during lessons. If being organised is something you find difficult, then my
challenge to you is to PERSEVERE and work on getting better organised this year!
Mr Sing Key
Head of Years 8 and 9
From the Secondary and High School Library
Dear parents,
It is another new school year and, like always, we have new books to welcome our students
back to school. We are glad to inform/remind you that you are also very welcome to borrow
books from our library!
The only thing you need to do is to see the librarian, let us know your
name
telephone number
email address
names of your children and their roll class
You can borrow up to 5 books for 2 weeks. Don’t forget to return them on time as you will be
charged for NT 5 per day for overdue!
Don’t know what we have in our library? Please check our online catalogue at
http://library.tes.tp.edu.tw/oliver You can also find our new arrivals list and recommended
reading list from the links on the homepage of our library catalogue.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any question regarding our parent borrowing
program.
Happy Reading!
Angela Chang
Chief Librarian
[email protected]
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From the Titans Sports Club
The ESC PA has developed a new and exciting out of school sports training program:
TITANS Sports Club Taipei. The Football club team have open tryouts and training every
Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the TES Primary campus. The following
teams for the club will include: BOYS U14, BOYS U16, GIRLS U14, and GIRLS U16. Only
fourteen (14) Players per each team to encourage and develop football skills at the highest
elite level of training and competition. TES students are encouraged to register early. Early
registration is critical because Non TES students will be allowed to join in September. Please
see website to register:
www.titanstaipei.weebly.com
Or contact Professional Coach Robert Iwanicki for additional information:
[email protected] or mobile number 09722 02373. Or TES Parent Coordinator,
Annette Oani: [email protected]
The ESC PA is in the process of developing the basketball team for the TITANS Sports Club.
If there are any TES parents with interested sons or daughters, we are in the process of
developing a committee to implement a basketball club organization. Please contact Annette
Oani if you would like to participate in this committee.
Thanks,
Annette Oani
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